‘Traumatised’ best friend charged with the murder of Liam Anderson

A Sydney man has been charged by police with the murder of Liam Anderson, son of Rose Tattoo frontman Angry Anderson.

Matthew Flame, 20 years old from Narraweena, has been accused of bashing Liam Anderson, 26, to death in a park in Queenscliff early on Sunday morning.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Anderson had shown concern for Mr Flame whilst the pair had been partying in the Sydney CBD, and had said her was concerned that he was under the influence on ‘something evil.’

When Anderson followed his friend home, Mr Flame reportedly turned aggressive and reportedly began ‘punching, stomping and kicking’ Mr Anderson.

Witnesses reported hearing shouting and seeing the pair punching each other in a violent encounter that resulted in Police having to use pepper spray in an effort to restrain Mr Flame, who was told to be still punching Mr Anderson when emergency services arrived.

Mr Flame is led away by police (image: The Australian)

Mr Anderson died shortly after as a result of his injuries.

The accused was reportedly in a state of shock when realising what had happened, with Sydney Morning Herald reporting that Mr Flame only became aware of the incident when awakening from an alleged psychotic episode in hospital.

He was refused bail yesterday in Manly local court, and will spend 10 weeks behind bars before his next hearing.

Mr Flame’s barrister Charles Watersheet told reporters “This is a double tragedy for both families and their friends — it seems lightning has struck twice”, and said he was seeking his client to undergo a mental health check.

Angry Anderson awoke to the news of Liam’s death while on tour in Perth, and flew home to Sydney on Sunday night.

He was informed that the charge of murder had been laid yesterday by police.

Liam had his own music project, Ranford Bigsby, that explored a more hip-hop sound as opposed to the classic rock of his father.